REVIEWS

2009 Audi A4
A4 is trickle-down tour de force

A4 is trickle-down tour de force

In the 2009 Audi A4 - due in dealerships in September - the car's debt to more expensive siblings is obvious, from the robot-reptile stare of its LED headlights (first seen on the R8) to the tensed ligature of its styling and the sheer affront of its, well, front.
2009 Hyundai Sonata
Sonata gets interior overhaul

Sonata gets interior overhaul

Whereas its predecessor featured a blocky dash with some awkwardly placed controls, the new Sonata features a contemporary design that wouldn't be out of place in a more expensive car.
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2008 Pontiac G8
The Pontiac from down under

The Pontiac from down under

Spared the unfair comparisons to the BMW 5 Series, the G8 acquits itself very well. The cabin is big and the car wants to please when driven hard.
2008 SATURN AURA
Aura offers surprisingly sporty ride

Aura offers surprisingly sporty ride

Replacing the forgettable L-Series, the new Saturn Aura marks a renewed attempt by the brand to establish itself in the midsize sedan market.
2008 Lexus IS-F
Lexus enters performance market

Lexus enters performance market

To morph the Lexus IS into an all-out performer, engineers stuffed a 416-horsepower, 5-liter V-8 into the engine bay. It's like a friendlier M3.
2009 Subaru Forester
Forester sports softer lines

Forester sports softer lines

In the mid-1990s, Subaru rolled out a wagon version of the midsize Legacy sedan, called the Outback and intended as an alternative to the popular SUVs of the day.
2008 Ford Escape Hybrid
Escape Hybrid's efficiency appealing

Escape Hybrid's efficiency appealing

If you're not ready to downsize to a small car, the 2008 Ford Escape Hybrid remains one of the most efficient small SUVs available today.
2008 BMW 1 SERIES
Little BMW packs potent punch

Little BMW packs potent punch

It's not at all sleek like the 3 Series coupe, and can easily be more expensive when loaded with options. Still, there's lots of power and plenty of good reflexes in the new 1 Series.
2008 MINI COOPER CLUBMAN
Still a Mini, though not as small

Still a Mini, though not as small

The Cooper Clubman is almost 10 inches longer from bumper to bumper than the regular model, which makes it look different enough to draw stares from passersby.
2008 Dodge Challenger
Challenger is out of place and brilliant

Challenger is out of place and brilliant

This reimagining of Chrysler's classic 1970 Dodge Challenger is very close to the last thing the world needs right now. In other words, it's brilliant.
2008 BMW 5 SERIES
BMW tinkers a bit with 5 Series

BMW tinkers a bit with 5 Series

What's different are some very slight exterior modifications, updated engines - including one entirely new power plant - and more standard and optional comfort features.

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DISCUSS
  • Share your gas-saving strategies

    All advice is welcome, except from those of you that like to turn off their cars and coast downhill (that's never a good idea).
  • Return of the muscle car?

    Pontiac, Dodge and Chevy are at it again with V8, rear-wheel-drive performance. But are they doomed by higher gas prices and stricter CAFE regulations?
  • Do gas prices have influence?

    Are you looking to get a smaller car because of the rising gas prices?

FEATURES

With gas prices at record highs, many are parking their guzzlers in favor of transportation less petrol-hungry. The little Vespa, at 70 miles per gallon, fits the bill.
Europeans can buy cars that run on natural gas from at least eight automakers, but the United States is instead backing pricier biofuels.
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